Instead, consider low-impact activities such as walking, swimming, or cycling. Frequently twisting and bending the spine: Twisting and bending motions at the waist level can put additional strain on the lower back and worsen L5-S1 disc symptoms.
Most cases of L5-S1 disc herniation can be treated with conservative measures such as rest, ice, and heat. Chiropractic care, physical therapy, and pain medication can also be helpful.
Most people improve in 6 weeks and return to normal activity. If symptoms continue, surgery may be recommended.
A bulging disc might never go back to its original position or shape. However, if you strengthen the muscles around the spine hence increasing the stability of the spine you might not experience any symptoms.
Compression or inflammation of the L5 and/or S1 spinal nerve root may cause radiculopathy symptoms or sciatica, characterized by: Pain, generally felt as a sharp, shooting, and/or searing feeling in the buttock, thigh, leg, foot, and/or toes.
We think that large, extruded L5-S1 disc herniations may affect the superior hypogastric plexus or pre-sacral nerve which is situated anterior to the last lumbar vertebra, the middle sacral artery, the lumbosacral intervertebral disc.
The best treatment for back pain and pain related to L5-S1 is a combination of physiotherapy with chiropractic.
The optimal sleeping position for a herniated disc is on your back. Lying on your back keeps your spine in a neutral position so you have less chance of pinching the nerve.
1) Side-lying position: This sleeping position is achieved by lying on your side with a pillow between your legs. It will help keep your spine aligned and take pressure off your herniated disc. 2) Back-lying position: When you sleep on your back, using a pillow under your knees is vital to keep your spine in alignment.
The pain from a herniated disc usually is worse when you are active and gets better when you are resting. Coughing, sneezing, sitting, driving, and bending forward may make the pain worse. The pain gets worse when you make these movements because there is more pressure on the nerve.
Acupuncture can be an effective treatment for relieving the symptoms of a slipped disc, while also speeding the healing process–all without negative side effects.
Yes, swimming can be good for sacroiliac joint pain. People with sacroiliac joint pain often find it difficult to exercise because the space between the ilium and the sacrum is inflamed.
Over-the-counter (OTC) medications, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are usually tried first for pain stemming from L5-S1. For more severe pain, prescription medication, such as opioids, tramadol, and/or corticosteroids may be used.
The presence of disk space narrowing at the lower levels (L3/L4/L5/S1) was not significantly associated with hip pain.
This can show as decreased sensation or tingling in the same way as sciatic pain. L5 radiculopathy is usually associated with numbness down the side of the leg and into the top of the foot. S1 radiculopathy typically results in numbness down the back of the leg into the outside or bottom of the foot.
Your Recovery
It may take 4 to 6 weeks to get back to doing simple activities, such as light housework. It may take 6 months to a year for your back to get better completely. You may need to wear a back brace while your back heals. And your doctor may have you go to physiotherapy.
Common Symptoms and Signs of L5-S1 Stemming
Radiculopathy symptoms, or sciatica may be caused by compression or inflammation of the L5/or S1 spinal neural nerve root. Pain is usually described as a sharp, shooting and/or severe feeling in the buttocks and/or toes. Foot drop is a weakness in the foot or leg muscles.
There are a few common conditions that L5-S1 surgery treats. You may be a candidate for this disc replacement procedure if you live with any of the following spinal problems: Herniated disc with back and leg pain. Disc degeneration: your spinal discs have worn out, broken down, or been pushed out of place.
Most (80-90%) cases involving bulging or herniated discs will heal within 2-4 months, depending on the severity of the injury, as well as your age and overall health.
An L4-L5 disc bulge or slip-disc (slipped disc) pinches and leads to serious health issues, including impotence, reproduction issues, infertility, loss of bowel and bladder control, or paralysis in one or both legs.
Chiropractic is a preferred treatment option for many people with bulging and herniated discs because it is a non-invasive process and does not require drugs or injections. Once you have reached your diagnosis, you and your chiropractor can work hand in hand to look for the best way to treat your condition.